Foot and Mouth Disease Commonly Asked Questions
What Animals are susceptible to FMN?
  • Domestic Swine (Hogs and Pigs)
  • Cattle
  • Captive and wild deer
  • Sheep
  • Goats
  • Bison
  • Elk
  • Llamas
  • Cloven-hoofed zoo animals
Do we have Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Iowa or the U.S.?

No, we do not have FMD in the United States or Iowa. The last known case occurred in 1929 in California. We are working hard to educate and inform every Iowan about this dreaded animal disease, so that we NEVER have a case here in Iowa, or the U.S.

Would a livestock owner know if their livestock have it, are there symptoms?

Blisters (vesicles) may form in the animal’s mouth or muzzle, causing slobbering and drooling. Later, the blisters will break, forming raw patches or ulcers. Blisters and sores can also develop on the animal’s teats, causing mastitis in dairy cattle. Blisters on feet result in lameness. Affected animals will be reluctant or unable to drink, eat or walk, and they will lose weight rapidly. Swine and cattle usually will show signs of disease within two to seven days after being exposed to the virus. Sheep and goats may have minimal clinical signs of disease after an incubation period of up to 14 days.

Can Humans get Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)?

FMD does not readily affect humans. The disease has no implications for the human food chain. Persons who have been around infected animals are capable of carrying the virus in their nasal passages for as long as 28 hours. While the disease is not considered to be a threat to humans, it is possible for a person to spread the virus to susceptible animals.